GECOM not fit to run 2025 elections

Jan 08, 2025 Letters

Dear Editor,

2025 is here and its worrying about GECOM.

Any Guyanese would attest to the fact that despite change of actors, GECOM has never been able to rise above corruption. The last elections under an APNU/AFC government, actors in GECOM attempted to rig the election.

In the 1980s, under PNC government, there was rigging of elections. In 1997, under a PPP government, no different, in a different form, we saw the hurried swearing in of a President sparking protest and the courts pronounced on this. Then in 2006, under the PPP, the stealing of the AFC Region 10 seat. Rigging by both parties appears to be nothing new and unfortunately this nation suffers as GECOM becomes a football.

Now to 2021-2024. Currently under a PPP government, the rigging of appointments is taking place. While GECOM is independent, through its Commissioners, being drawn from political parties makes non-independent. The only neutral person is supposed to be a Chairperson. Unfortunately, we have seen the kind of leadership that currently obtains. Most decisions are siding with the PPP and she easily agrees with anything the CEO brings forward. The CEO was well supported by PPP/C and she needs to be reminded of that. His neutrality will always be questioned given his 4-3 vote. The CEO was selected from a pool of far more qualified candidates yet the Commission went into that direction. Mr. Alexander spoke of the current competence that obtains at the Secretariat. A simple Election work plan needed to be sent over six times, then the whole issue of boundary demarcation and the last Claims and Objections. GECOM handling of Asha Kissoon case has been political instead of professional.

Having had its way with the CEO appointments, PPP set the stage for the DCEO appointment despite having more qualified candidates. The reasons are very well known. PPP/C did the same with the ACEO appointment. This position has no purpose right now as all the works are handled by the DCEO and CEO. Even before the CEO, DCEO, ACEO, Logistics Officer, Civic Engagement Officer were appointed, the outcome was known. Once PPPC supports a candidate, the Chairman votes accordingly.

Again, it is clear that the PPP wants Aneal Giddings and Vishnu Persaud.

GECOM will only breathe free when it no longer has political Commissioners and run by professionals. If GECOM can rig its election, his own employment process, what else can’t it not rig? What will happen in 2025?

Regards,

R. Williams

(GECOM not fit to run 2025 elections)

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Civic Engagement, Commissioners, GECOM, Logistics Officer, PPP/C, President

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